Dubai, UAE — The Finnovex Middle East 2025 summit, held on November 11–12, 2025 at the Anantara Downtown Dubai Hotel, has concluded with unprecedented success, reaffirming its position as one of the region’s most influential financial technology platforms. Organised by Exibex, this year’s edition drew more than 300 senior regulators, C-level banking leaders, fintech innovators and policymakers from across the GCC and wider MENA region.
Marking seven years of the Finnovex Global Series, the summit once again delivered an unparalleled forum for strategic dialogue, cross-sector collaboration, and future-ready innovation in financial services.
Day 1 Highlights: Redesigning the Digital Banking Blueprint
The summit commenced with a welcome address from Exibex, followed by remarks from Muhammed Zeeshan Haider (Al Wathba Insurance), setting the agenda for a trust-led and AI-powered financial future.
Keynote Insights
Mohammed Wassim Khayata, CEO, Al Maryah Community Bank, explored the UAE’s Digital Dirham and programmable currencies.
Gorinov Alexandr, Alfa-Bank Russia, highlighted the region’s accelerating shift from cash to advanced digital payments.
CXO Deep-Dive Panel – The Fintech Metamorphosis Playbook
Moderated by Alberto Diez (Emirates Development Bank), the panel featured leaders from CBD, Mashreq, HSBC, Kuwait International Bank, Cubic Information Systems, and Posidex. Discussions centred on digital agility, data-driven transformation, and reshaping customer journeys.
Focus on SME Banking, Trade Finance & Operations
Experts from Softwire, Fimple, and industry veterans including Dr. Ahmed Darwish discussed new models for SME credit, borderless trade ecosystems, and operational scalability.
Townhall on Payments Innovation
Led by Ramkumar Balasubramaniam, speakers from Al Maryah Community Bank, HSBC, Sends and RAKBANK examined the region’s move toward seamless, secure, intelligent payment infrastructures.
Day 2 Highlights: AI, Cybersecurity & Sustainable Finance Take Centre Stage
Day 2 transitioned into a series of high-impact keynote presentations on AI-driven banking, operational optimization, and conversational intelligence. Speakers included:
Yan Bechet – HSBC’s AI-led transformation
Abdullah Alawadi – Advancements in agentic AI
Alberto Diez – Agile transformation strategies across BFSI
Dr. Hani Alghanem, Uniphore – Real-world impact of conversational AI and operational intelligence
From Insight to Action: Expert Panel
Moderated by Walid Salem (Zurich), panelists from Bank of Sharjah, Sukoon Insurance, Mashreq, CIB and Commercial Bank of Dubai discussed integrating sustainability, advanced tech, and human-centric design to build resilient institutions.
Powering Innovation: Summit Partners
Finnovex Middle East 2025 was supported by leading industry players:
Intelligent Operations Partner: WNS
Diamond Sponsor: Alfa Bank
Gold Sponsors: Fimple, Softwire, Uniphore
Bronze Sponsors: Posidex, Cubic Information System, Sends
Networking Sponsors: Finesse, OnlyOffice, System Technologies, Dataroid, Saasworx
Celebrating Excellence: Finnovex Awards 2025
The Finnovex Awards honoured outstanding achievements across fintech innovation, AI, cybersecurity, payments, and customer experience. Among the winners:
Excellence in Customer Experience: ADIB
Excellence in Digital Banking: Commercial Bank of Dubai
Excellence in AI-Powered Banking: FAB
Excellence in Fintech: Alfa-Bank & Bank AlJazira
Excellence in Cybersecurity: D360 Bank
Outstanding CX Achievement: RAKBANK
Outstanding Contribution to Fintech: Fimple
Individual Awards recognized trailblazers including Michael Power (RAKBANK), Sunil Dixit (FAB), Dr. Abdulla AlTaee (UAB), Mohamed Abdel Razek (Mashreq), Olivier Busolini (Mashreq), and Alona Shevtsova (Sends), among others.
Looking Ahead
“As we close this chapter, Finnovex Middle East 2025 wasn’t just an event- it was a moment,” said Shabaz Ahmed, Executive Director, Exibex. “A moment where leaders challenged norms, sparked ideas, and shaped the future of finance.”
Finnovex will now continue its global journey through Africa, Europe, Asia and beyond.
About Finnovex
Finnovex is a globally trusted platform that brings together regulators, innovators and leaders to advance the future of financial services across MENA, Africa, Asia and Europe.
For upcoming chapters, sponsorships or speaking opportunities:
Website: me.finnovex.com
Email: info@exibex.com
Contacts: +971 585518437 | +91 9980028128
